Opening Ceremony of the Conference on "Perspectives of Mathematical Research in China for the Twenty-First Century"

at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences
of The Chinese University of Hong Kong

at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, 28 May 2001

Speech by Dr Alice Lam
Chairman, University Grants Committee

Colleagues, eminent speakers, ladies and gentlemen,

I am very honoured to have been invited by Professor Yau to officiate at this opening ceremony today, for the conference on "Perspectives of Mathematical Research in China for the Twenty-First Century" organized by the Institute of Mathematical Sciences of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).

I understand that mathematical sciences, like other fast-growing disciplines, have experienced unprecedented development in recent decades. To lay people, the important role of mathematical sciences may not be apparent, largely due to its low visibility when compared with others such as Information Technology and Biotech. Yet, it is unshakable truth that many amazing advances in science and technology have their roots in mathematics and substantial progress would never have been possible without sophisticated mathematical and computational models.

Research can only flourish with exchanges and collaboration among different places and across different disciplines. Centrally located in the Asian Pacific region, Hong Kong is well placed to bring together research strengths in the Mainland China and other parts of the world. In this context, the establishment of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences in 1993 at the CUHK was particularly significant. The Institute serves as a useful vehicle to train postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and young scientists, both locally and from outside Hong Kong, in mathematical sciences. To promote academic exchange, the Institute runs a vibrant programme of seminars and international conferences, and manages a number of international research journals as part of its academic programme. There is no doubt that the Institute has contributed significantly to the building up of a culture of scholarship and of a solid base for mathematical research.

Today, many distinguished mathematicians are here to discuss important new developments in mathematics, including the particular issue of funding and promotion of mathematical research in China. We shall witness later the signing of collaboration agreements between the CUHK and a number of renowned research institutions. All these are significant and I congratulate CUHK for taking the lead.

Finally, I would like to extend a warm welcome to those who are attending the conference from different parts of the world. Your strong support to mathematical research in Hong Kong is appreciated and I have every confidence that the event will be yet another success for the Institute.

Thank you.